We know that digital has a very strong impact on our society. It will transform 40% of current jobs by 2030 … We must therefore prepare children for this development, and help them coding without a screen.
The Colori method allows children from 3 to 6 years old to learn coding without a screen, with wooden robots, stickers, or tokens.
In February 2020, we offer this activity in our Montessori early-years classroom in Carrières-sur-Seine.
The Colori method
Amélia Matar started the Colori method in France in 2017. This former digital marketing director developed with Perrine Legal, also from the digital world, workshops to learn coding without a screen, for children from 3 to 6 years old. This is thanks to Cubetto, a wooden educational robot approved by the Maria Montessori Higher Institute and inspired by the LOGO language. The child learns coding without a screen, starting from the basics of computer programming through play and imagination.
As of today, more than 10,000 children learn coding without a screen from the “Colori” method, in schools or leisure centers.
Coding without a screen: how does it work?
First, it’s about discovering, understanding and learning programming. Cubetto allows the child to code without a screen and to tackle computer programming. For example, the child integrates the concept of space orientation and left / right / straight movements. Then, using the directional arrows, the child moves around the room playing the robot, programmed by a friend.
Simultaneously, the child starts mastering the binary system. He creates an image by placing stickers according to a binary logic: 1 or 0. He thus manipulates the notion of representation by pixel that screens use. Gradually, the level of difficulty increases until he can create his own drawing and write the code.
Finally, the child gets introduced to Boolean logic. Using images, the child takes on the concept of negation. Then he aligns instructions explaining the content and organization of the drawing on his sheet. In the end, the child can carry out a “treasure hunt” that Cubetto will conscientiously follow.
In addition to this activity, Colori offers to open Cubetto and explore its various components through Montessori nomenclature cards. It eventually helps the child to understand the robot within inside!
